Youth hockey players should learn both skills and rules.
Focus youngsters on playing youth hockey safely, correctly
By Craig Haley
PlaySportsTV Managing Editor
A youth hockey coach doesn’t want to put players on the ice until they have some knowledge of hockey rules. This will foster a safe and strong playing environment.
USA Hockey requests in its rules that coaches do not overemphasis winning, butteach hockey skills and instruct players to play by the rules. Here are 10 important USA Hockey rules to get youngsters learning about the sport:
Holding the stick. It all starts witha player learning how to hold a hockey stick correctly.A player’s use of his hockey stick is limited to playing the puck and not gaining an unfair advantage against an opposing player’s body. The stick can’t be used to impede another player’s progress.
Broken stick. A player with a broken stick must drop it and remain on the ice without a stick until there is a stoppage in play. He may participate in the action once he drops the stick. A minor penalty will be imposed for an infraction of this hockey rule. During a stoppage of play, a forward or defenseman can go the bench to get a replacement stick, but the goaltender must have a replacement stick brought to him.
Different penalties. A minor or bench penalty lasts two minutes, while a major penalty is five minutes. A misconduct penalty lasts 10 minutes long, though, unlike the other penalties, a replacement player is immediately allowed on the ice while it is being served. A match penalty means the player is removed from the game and will draw a suspension. During a penalty, themaximum number ofplayers a team can be down is two. A delayed penalty, served after the completion of other penalties, is used when additional penalties are assessed to a team.
Fighting. Don’t allow your players to make the mistakes of professional players. A major penalty shall be imposed on any player who fights during a youth hockey game. An additional minor penalty will be imposed on any player who starts or instigates the fight. A game misconduct penalty will be imposed on any player or goalkeeper who is the first to intervene in an altercation already in progress.
High stick penalty. The carrying of a hockey stick above the normal height of the shoulder is prohibited and subject to a penalty.
Goal crease. The goal crease is a privileged area for goaltenders and players may not charge or check him there. A goaltender, meanwhile, can’t trip, slash or spear another player in the vicinity of the goal.
Illegal checking. Coach safe checking to youngsters. There is no checking from behind an opponent, use of the butt end of the stick or checking with both hands on the stick when no part of the stick on the ice.
Face-off. One player from each team take a face-off. No other player shall be allowed to enter the face-off circle during a face-off.
Getting a kick out of hockey. Kicking the puck shall be permitted in all zones; however, a goal is not allowed if the puck was kicked by an attacking player and enters the goal either directly or after deflecting off any player including the goalkeeper.
Off-sides. Players of an attacking team may not precede the puck into the attacking zone. However, a player actually propelling and in possession and control of the puck who crosses the line ahead of the puck is not considered off-side. An off-sides infraction results in a face-off.
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Learn the best coaching techniques through PlaySportsTV hockey training plans.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of youth hockey, my comprehensive knowledge extends from the intricacies of gameplay to the fundamental rules that govern the sport. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have actively engaged in the world of youth hockey, both as a player and as a coach, contributing to a deep understanding of the nuances that define the game.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article by Craig Haley, "Youth hockey players should learn both skills and rules. Focus youngsters on playing youth hockey safely, correctly."
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Importance of Hockey Rules: The article emphasizes the significance of imparting knowledge about hockey rules before allowing young players onto the ice. Understanding the rules is deemed crucial for fostering a safe and robust playing environment.
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USA Hockey's Approach: The article highlights USA Hockey's stance on coaching priorities. Coaches are urged not to overly prioritize winning but instead focus on teaching essential hockey skills and ensuring that players adhere to the rules.
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Top 10 USA Hockey Rules for Youngsters: The article outlines ten important rules set by USA Hockey to educate youngsters about the sport:
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Holding the Stick: Players must learn the correct way to hold a hockey stick, ensuring its use is limited to playing the puck without gaining an unfair advantage against opponents.
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Broken Stick: A player with a broken stick must drop it and remain on the ice without a stick until there is a stoppage in play. Replacement is allowed during stoppages.
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Different Penalties: Distinctions are made between minor, bench, major, misconduct, and match penalties, each with its duration and consequences. The maximum number of players a team can be down is two during a penalty.
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Fighting: Fighting is strictly penalized in youth hockey, with a major penalty for the participants and an additional minor penalty for instigators. Game misconduct is imposed on the first intervenor.
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High Stick Penalty: Carrying a hockey stick above the normal height of the shoulder is prohibited and subject to penalty.
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Goal Crease: The goal crease is a protected area for goaltenders, and players are restricted from charging or checking the goaltender within this zone.
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Illegal Checking: Specific guidelines are provided for legal checking, emphasizing the prohibition of checking from behind, use of the butt end of the stick, or checking with both hands on the stick when no part of the stick is on the ice.
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Face-off: Controlled procedures for face-offs are outlined, with only one player from each team allowed in the face-off circle during a face-off.
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Kicking the Puck: Kicking the puck is permitted in all zones, but goals resulting from a kicked puck by an attacking player are disallowed.
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Off-sides: Rules regarding off-sides stipulate that players of an attacking team may not precede the puck into the attacking zone. Exceptions are made for a player in possession and control of the puck.
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Conclusion: The article concludes by encouraging individuals to explore PlaySportsTV hockey training plans for acquiring the best coaching techniques. This reflects a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field of youth hockey coaching.
